Do not allow the proposed renaming of Manchaca Road to Menchaca Road.

The name Manchaca dates back 163 years to 1849 in reference to popular and prolific natural springs in the area known as Manchaca Springs. Historic research indicates the first community to use the name and spelling, Manchaca, came into existence before the turn of the 20th century. It was then that the International and Great Northern railroad built tracks through this area of far, southern Travis County, headed toward Austin and used the name Manchaca. Oral tradition holds that the community takes its name from the nearby Manchaca Springs. Historic Texas maps dating back to 1849 have indicated the location and the spelling of these springs as Manchaca Springs. Additional documents, dated as early as 1841, written by travelers through this area, clearly indicate the name of these springs as Manchaca Springs. Furthermore, some of these documents purport the pronunciation as “Manshac”.

Interestingly, the Handbook of Texas, indicates local residents assert the nearby springs and community were named for Jose Antonio Menchaca, a true Texas hero and soldier, who may have camped at these springs. This fact cannot be proven. Consequently, the Handbook of Texas does not clearly state the origin of this community’s name. Early churches, businesses and pioneering families utilized the spelling of this name as Manchaca for the last 163 years. The State of Texas and the City of Austin have correctly reflected the historic proof of the spelling of this name by signs indicating the main artery between this community and Austin proper as Manchaca Road.

Renaming this road is tantamount to rewriting history while violating the honor and sanctity of the citizens of this area who have long used the Manchaca spelling for their homes. Manchaca Road leads to a thriving community whose name is Manchaca, Texas.

Preserve and Protect -- Do not allow the proposed renaming of Manchaca Road to Menchaca Road. The destination of Manchaca Road is the community of Manchaca, and the proposed renaming would negate the 131 year documented history of the community and the main artery leading to it. Renaming a main artery to an established community based upon unsupported hearsay or oral history suppresses all proven research and is not historically or financially prudent.

Letter to

Austin City Council

I just signed the following petition addressed to: Austin City Council.

----------------Do not allow the proposed renaming of Manchaca Road to Menchaca Road.

The name Manchaca dates back 163 years to 1849 in reference to popular and prolific natural springs in the area known as Manchaca Springs. Historic research indicates the first community to use the name and spelling, Manchaca, came into existence before the turn of the 20th century. It was then that the International and Great Northern railroad built tracks through this area of far, southern Travis County, headed toward Austin and used the name Manchaca. Oral tradition holds that the community takes its name from the nearby Manchaca Springs. Historic Texas maps dating back to 1849 have indicated the location and the spelling of these springs as Manchaca Springs. Additional documents, dated as early as 1841, written by travelers through this area, clearly indicate the name of these springs as Manchaca Springs. Furthermore, some of these documents purport the pronunciation as “Manshac”.

Interestingly, the Handbook of Texas, indicates local residents assert the nearby springs and community were named for Jose Antonio Menchaca, a true Texas hero and soldier, who may have camped at these springs. This fact cannot be proven. Consequently, the Handbook of Texas does not clearly state the origin of this community’s name. Early churches, businesses and pioneering families utilized the spelling of this name as Manchaca for the last 163 years. The State of Texas and the City of Austin have correctly reflected the historic proof of the spelling of this name by signs indicating the main artery between this community and Austin proper as Manchaca Road.

Renaming this road is tantamount to rewriting history while violating the honor and sanctity of the citizens of this area who have long used the Manchaca spelling for their homes. Manchaca Road leads to a thriving community whose name is Manchaca, Texas.

Preserve and Protect -- Do not allow the proposed renaming of Manchaca Road to Menchaca Road. The destination of Manchaca Road is the community of Manchaca, and the proposed renaming would negate the 131 year documented history of the community and the main artery leading to it. Renaming a main artery to an established community based upon unsupported hearsay or oral history suppresses all proven research and is not historically or financially prudent. ----------------